During an October game against the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero suffered a torn right oblique injury. Because of his injury, Banchero has missed Orlando’s last 11 games. Though there is no confirmed timetable for his return, the third-year forward revealed when he thinks he will return to the court.
Magic star Paolo Banchero projects to @andscape when he will be back from his torn right oblique injury. Banchero’s second video and written diary will come out on Thursday on @andscape and @espn. #nba #magic #orlando pic.twitter.com/MBHCJ3cu9H
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) November 19, 2024
“This isn’t from the medical team or anything, but the way I feel and I’ve been feeling, I think before Christmas. Maybe that’s a week before, a couple days before. I think I can get back before Christmas,” Banchero said.
Paolo Banchero Reveals When He Expects to Return From Injury
Paolo Banchero’s Season Before the Injury
In September, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George named Banchero as a player under 25 years old who he feels is ready to take that next step.
“Who 25 and under would you build your franchise around today? You can’t pick Luka, Anthony Edwards, & Wemby.”
Paul George: “I think who’s shown that they’re ready for that next jump & I think was a star. For sure Paolo [Banchero].”
So far, George’s comments are aging incredibly well.
Banchero has only played in five games for the Magic this season. However, during that time, the Duke alum played the best basketball of his NBA career. On the year, he is averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He is also shooting 49.5% from the field and 34.4% from the three-point line. It is a small sample size, but these are all career bests for Banchero up to this point.
Furthermore, Banchero also became the first player this season to score 50 points in a game. On October 28, Banchero dropped 50 points while shooting 16-for-26 from the field against the Indiana Pacers. He also recorded 13 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and two blocks. When he returns to the court, there is no doubt that Banchero will help elevate the Magic to the next level.
The Orlando Magic’s Play Without Banchero
The Magic lost four straight games after Banchero’s injury. However, they have since won six straight games, a streak they are currently in the midst of. Orlando had a much lighter schedule for the last six games, which helped them get things back on track. However, being able to go on a streak like this while Banchero is sidelined is impressive. In each of their last six games, the Magic have not allowed 100 points in a single contest.
A few weeks into the season, the Magic are 9-6 and own the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. They have played most of their games without Banchero on the court. After their playoff appearance last season, there is no doubt that the Magic are prepared to make another run. Though Banchero’s return will provide a big boost on the court, the Magic have shown that there is no reason to rush him back.
